While many separations are amicable, there is no guarantee that the status quo holds for the duration of the negotiations. The more difficult the issues under consideration and the perceived disparity of shared value of the property, the greater the risk to your quality of life. Being aware of potential risks to shared technology and

Well-intentioned prospective clients are eager to share all the information they learned from the Internet with their lawyer. Without a critical eye to assess their personal circumstances objectively and without any formal education in the law, much of the ‘research’ can be misguided. Many clients don’t understand why a lawyer redirects their enthusiasm away from

Relishing the abundance of attention, the many warm embraces, congratulatory fist bumps, gathering of family, friends and special guests. Honouring all guests for joining with you for your union. Celebrating the spirit of the occasion, your hopes, dreams and plans coming to full fruition while stumbling and learning along the way and being humble and

Stock options are a form of non-cash incentive compensation for executives and directors to motivate strong service to the company and loyalty to corporate goals. This compensation is speculative in nature whether granted by public or private companies. They can also have a profound impact on the equalization payment arising from the property division scheme

I’d like to share my presentation with you at our inaugural South Toronto Collaborative event. More than a decade ago, I initiated and continue to facilitate the South Toronto Collaborative Small Interdisciplinary Practice Group. It started as a friendly forum for newly-trained collaborative professionals all working in their own fields of expertise – lawyers, financial

The alarm clock sounds – it’s 6:00 a.m. and you roll out of bed to begin your morning routine. Getting yourself and the kids ready for the day, checking for urgent business communications, and calling the plumber to deal with that persistent kitchen leak. Heading to the office, your phone rings – it’s your family

In the midst of a divorce, emotions can run high – so high that you may seek to voice your loss of respect for your (former) significant other. In the past, venting to a friend or family member either in person or on the phone was the norm. Today it means turning to your social

Mother’s Day has traditionally served as a special opportunity to recognize all of our important ‘mothers’ who have contributed to our life in many ways, in our formative years or today as adults. For some, it’s a day of reflecting upon all of the supportive, loving, and kind memories recalled with your own mother, mother-in-law

Being mindful that your divorce may invite friends and immediate family to pick sides or disappear from the fray, it doesn’t need to be that way for extended family. Fence the conflict in and you’ll keep it away from relatives you want to keep close. Maintaining personal boundaries honor and respect the friendship you’ve developed

Keep everyone out: Remind yourself of that universal proverb: good fences make good neighbors. No pre-selection of who will be brought into your inner circle once the divorce has been granted and no sharing your story with your spouse’s employer, best friend and sports friends. Privacy prevents the wrong message circulating and respects relationships. Appropriate

Feeling guilty about causing the end of your marriage? One mistake too many or the one time you got caught? Even though your spouse has made it very clear that your marriage is now over, strongly resist handing over all the funds in your investment account or ramping up your line of credit as a

By Guest blogger Dionne Chambers Part II: Can signing a domestic contract protect you from future child support obligations? In Part I, we looked at some indicators in blended families where relationship you form with your partner’s children begins to attract child support obligations for you should the relationship between you and your partner end.